ADVFN UK Market News

Category: Boardroom Updates

  • Pepperstone Strengthens Executive Team: Tom Williams Named COO, Rob Bowen Appointed CCO

    Pepperstone Strengthens Executive Team: Tom Williams Named COO, Rob Bowen Appointed CCO

    Leading global forex and CFD broker Pepperstone has announced significant changes to its executive leadership team, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and global expansion. The company has promoted Tom Williams to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Rob Bowen to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), marking a strategic shift in its senior management structure.

    Tom Williams steps into the COO role after serving as General Manager – Financial Risk, Analytics & Operations since joining Pepperstone in 2022 

    Based in Melbourne, Williams has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s risk strategy and operational framework. His promotion reflects Pepperstone’s focus on leveraging internal talent to drive growth and innovation.

    Before joining Pepperstone, Williams spent nearly a decade at GO Markets, where he held the position of Head of Trading and later served as Responsible Manager (AFSL) 

    His deep expertise in financial risk, analytics, and trading operations positions him well to oversee Pepperstone’s global operations and market risk functions.

    Rob Bowen, previously Group COO and CEO of Pepperstone Ltd (UK), has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer 

    With over 25 years of experience in the trading industry, Bowen brings a wealth of knowledge in derivatives, CFDs, and commercial strategy. His career includes a notable tenure at IG Group, where he served as Commercial Director

    In his new role, Bowen will lead Pepperstone’s global commercial strategy, including marketing, product development, and client engagement. His appointment aligns with the company’s goal to enhance its commercial footprint across key markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

    Pepperstone CEO Tamas Szabo commented on the leadership changes:

    “Rob’s new title better reflects his role of looking after all commercial aspects of the business, including marketing and a newly elevated product function. Tom Williams has been promoted to the executive team and will oversee all operational aspects of the business while continuing to manage market risk.” 

    These executive appointments come amid Pepperstone’s broader strategy to expand globally and enhance client experience. The company has recently launched new initiatives aimed at increasing user engagement, growing its partner network, and improving technological resilience 

    Pepperstone’s UK entity, under Bowen’s leadership, posted a £9.9 million profit on trading revenue exceeding £13 million, despite a slight year-over-year decline 

    This financial performance underscores the effectiveness of its leadership and operational strategies.

    In addition to Williams and Bowen, Pepperstone has promoted Mariia Erokhina to General Manager of Information Security and Compliance, and appointed Kim Reilly from FP Markets as Head of Client Experience 

    These moves further solidify the company’s commitment to security, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

    Pepperstone’s latest executive reshuffle signals a renewed focus on operational efficiency and commercial growth.

    With seasoned professionals like Tom Williams and Rob Bowen at the helm, the company is well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of global financial markets and deliver enhanced value to its clients.

  • Robinhood Expands to MENA Region with Dubai DFSA License Application and Key Executive Hire

    Robinhood Expands to MENA Region with Dubai DFSA License Application and Key Executive Hire

    In a strategic move to broaden its global footprint, Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOD), the prominent U.S.-based neobroker, has initiated plans to establish operations in Dubai. The company has formally applied for a Category 4 license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), signaling its intent to serve clients across the UAE and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

    The license, once approved, will enable Robinhood to operate from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a leading financial hub in the region. This expansion marks a significant milestone in Robinhood’s international growth strategy, which has recently seen increased activity in Europe and Asia.

    To spearhead its MENA operations, Robinhood has appointed Mario Camara as Senior Executive Officer. Camara brings extensive experience in the FX and CFDs industry, having previously served as Senior Vice President of Licensing & Government Relations at Equiti Group. His tenure at Equiti spanned six years, following earlier leadership roles at Saxo Bank, where he was Managing Director for the MENA region based in DIFC.

    Robinhood’s move into Dubai follows a series of international initiatives, including the launch of its Legend desktop trading platform in the UK and sponsorship of French football club OGC Nice. The company has also introduced innovative products tailored to European investors, such as US stock and ETF tokens and perpetual futures.

    While Robinhood has been relatively quiet about its plans for the MENA region, the recent developments suggest a rapid acceleration of its presence in Dubai. A formal announcement detailing its regional strategy is expected in the coming weeks.

    This expansion aligns with Robinhood’s mission to democratize finance globally, offering accessible and innovative trading solutions to a broader audience.

  • IG CEO’s $4.5M Payday Overshadowed by Plus500’s Lavish Executive Payouts

    IG CEO’s $4.5M Payday Overshadowed by Plus500’s Lavish Executive Payouts

    IG Group Holdings plc (LSE:IGG) has reported a strong financial performance for fiscal year 2025, with CEO Breon Corcoran earning a total compensation of £3.35 million ($4.46 million). Despite this, Corcoran still earns less than his counterparts at Plus500, where executive pay has sparked shareholder backlash for the second consecutive year 

    IG Group delivered £1.08 billion ($1.39 billion) in total revenue for FY25, up 9% year-over-year. Net profit surged 24% to £380.4 million ($490.7 million), driven by strong trading volumes, the acquisition of Freetrade, and a growing customer base 

    Key highlights from IG’s FY25:

    • Adjusted profit before tax: £535.8 million, up 17%
    • Active customers: 820,000 (up 137% YoY, including Freetrade users)
    • EPS: 114.1p (up 26%)
    • Capital returns: £397 million via dividends and buybacks 3

    Corcoran’s compensation included:

    • £896,000 ($1.19M) in base salary
    • £2.45 million ($3.27M) in bonuses and incentives 1

    Despite the impressive numbers, Corcoran’s pay package remains modest compared to peers in the online trading sector.

    At Plus500 Ltd (LSE:PLUS), CEO David Zruia and CFO Elad Even-Chen each earned $4.97 million in FY24, with $1.09 million in fixed salary and the rest in performance-based bonuses 

    This represents a 33% increase from the previous year.

    Yet, Plus500’s FY24 revenue was $768.3 million, significantly lower than IG’s. Net profit stood at $273.1 million, also trailing IG’s bottom line 

    The disparity in pay has not gone unnoticed. In May 2025, 51% of Plus500 shareholders voted against the company’s executive remuneration report—the second consecutive year of such opposition

    Despite the criticism, Plus500 continues to expand aggressively:

    • Entered the UAE and Japan markets
    • Acquired Mehta Equities in India
    • Became a clearing member of ICE Clear US
    • Reported $415 million in H1 2025 revenue, up 4% YoY 

    Executive Pay vs. Performance: A Growing Debate

    The contrast between IG and Plus500 highlights a broader debate in fintech and trading circles: Should executive pay be more closely tied to shareholder returns and company performance?

    While IG’s Corcoran is praised for strategic execution and disciplined cost control, Plus500’s leadership faces scrutiny for high compensation amid mixed user growth and declining engagement metrics

    Still, both firms remain profitable and debt-free, with strong cash positions and global expansion plans.

    IG Group plans to increase Corcoran’s base salary by 3% in FY26 to £824,000 ($1.1M), with a potential bonus of up to 200% of salary 

    The company is also revamping its long-term incentive plan to better align with shareholder value creation.

    Meanwhile, Plus500 has raised its FY25 guidance, citing strong Q1 results and a 106% increase in average customer deposits 

    However, it remains to be seen whether the company can sustain growth while addressing governance concerns.


    As fintech firms scale globally, executive compensation will remain a focal point for investors.

    IG’s performance-driven pay model may offer a blueprint for balancing growth with governance, while Plus500’s high-reward structure continues to test shareholder patience.

  • Equiti Group Appoints Sartaj Singh as CTO Amid Strategic C-Suite Reshuffle

    Equiti Group Appoints Sartaj Singh as CTO Amid Strategic C-Suite Reshuffle

    Equiti Group, a leading global provider of online trading and financial services, has officially named Sartaj Singh as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The announcement follows a series of high-level executive changes, including the appointment of Sean Hong as Group CFO and Rick Fulton transitioning to Chief Risk and Audit Officer.

    Singh, who joined Equiti in 2023 as Global Head of Technology, brings over a decade of experience in tech leadership, including a seven-year tenure as VP of Engineering at Indonesia’s GoTo Group. His promotion to CTO marks a pivotal moment in Equiti’s ongoing digital transformation strategy.

    In a statement shared via social media, Singh reflected on his journey at Equiti:

    “These past two years—my first time living and working in Dubai—have been among the most energizing phases of my career. I’ve had the privilege of leading a technology transformation that’s reshaping how we operate, scale, and serve clients across regions.”

    Under Singh’s leadership, Equiti has been building a globally scalable platform-as-a-service with embedded analytics, a modular AI-powered client ecosystem, and event-driven systems across trading and operations. His vision emphasizes sustainable velocity through architectural excellence, reliable systems, and a culture of experimentation.

    CEO Iskandar Najjar and the Equiti Board have expressed strong support for Singh’s appointment, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation and resilience in the fintech space.

    With this strategic reshuffle, Equiti is positioning itself for accelerated growth and enhanced client experience across its global markets.

  • FundingPips Appoints FCA Alum Andria Evripidou as Managing Director to Drive Global Expansion

    FundingPips Appoints FCA Alum Andria Evripidou as Managing Director to Drive Global Expansion

    In a strategic move aimed at strengthening its leadership and regulatory expertise, FundingPips, a fast-growing proprietary trading firm based in Dubai, has appointed Andria Evripidou as its new Group Managing Director. The announcement marks a significant milestone in the firm’s evolution as it continues to scale its global operations and enhance its trader-first model.

    A Deep Regulatory and Fintech Background

    Andria Evripidou brings a wealth of experience to FundingPips. A native of Cyprus, she previously served as a Senior Policy Advisor at the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) from 2015 to 2020, where she specialized in payments policy. Her post-FCA career included a stint at Revolut as Global Authorisations Senior Manager, and more recently, she founded XDA, a startup offering crypto and banking solutions for iGaming companies.

    She also held the role of Chief Banking Officer at Xace, an alternative banking provider focused on fintech and high-growth digital sectors. Evripidou holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge, and both a Master’s and PhD in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics from the University of Nottingham.

    FundingPips stated that Evripidou’s appointment will “drive strategic growth, compliance excellence, and trader‑first innovation, all while fostering a high-performance leadership culture.

    Founded in 2020 by Khaled Ayesh, FundingPips has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic prop trading firms in the industry. Built on a “by traders, for traders” philosophy, the firm offers simulated trading environments where traders can earn up to 100% of profits without risking personal capital.

    Key Features of FundingPips:

    • Flexible Evaluation Models: One-phase and two-phase challenges with no time limits.
    • Profit Sharing: Up to 100% for top-tier traders.
    • Platforms Supported: MetaTrader 5, Match-Trader, and cTrader.
    • Global Reach: Over 1 million traders from 195+ countries.
    • Funding Options: Up to $300,000 in simulated capital.
    • Fast Payouts: Over $135 million paid out to traders globally.

    FundingPips operates under FP Funding LLC, headquartered in Dubai, and has earned a 4.5-star Trustpilot rating based on more than 23,000 reviews.

  • LP Prime Founder Louay Amhaz Resigns and CEO Marios Antoniou Takes Lead

    LP Prime Founder Louay Amhaz Resigns and CEO Marios Antoniou Takes Lead

    In a notable leadership change within the institutional FX and CFD liquidity space, Louay Amhaz, founder of LP Prime, has officially exited the company he helped establish in 2024.

    LP Prime was launched to provide bespoke liquidity and prime brokerage solutions for brokers, hedge funds, and high-net-worth traders. The firm also offered white-label broker solutions, catering to a wide range of asset classes. Though headquartered operationally in Cyprus, LP Prime is formally domiciled in South Africa, operating under Logan Capital (Pty) Ltd, a regulated Financial Services Provider licensed by the FSCA (License No. 52610).

    Leadership Transition and Industry Background

    The company is now led by CEO Marios Antoniou, a seasoned FX executive. Amhaz’s departure marks the end of a pivotal chapter for LP Prime, which had quickly gained traction in the liquidity solutions market.

    Prior to founding LP Prime, Louay Amhaz spent seven years at oneZero Financial Systems as Director of Business Development, and previously held a global role at PrimeXM, both key players in trading technology and liquidity services.

    Industry Implications

    Amhaz’s exit may signal a strategic pivot for LP Prime as it continues to evolve under new leadership. His departure also reflects broader shifts in the FX technology and liquidity landscape, where agility and innovation remain critical.

  • CFI Financial Group Appoints Omar Khaled as Chief Marketing Officer

    CFI Financial Group Appoints Omar Khaled as Chief Marketing Officer

    CFI Financial Group, a leading global provider of online trading and investment services, has announced the appointment of Omar Khaled as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to accelerating its global brand presence and enhancing client engagement across key markets.

    Driving Strategic Marketing Growth

    With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, brand strategy, and fintech innovation, Omar Khaled is set to lead CFI’s global marketing initiatives. His appointment comes at a pivotal time as the company continues its rapid expansion and strengthens its position in the competitive online trading landscape.

    Khaled will oversee CFI’s international marketing operations, focusing on brand development, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships. His leadership is expected to play a crucial role in amplifying CFI’s visibility and reinforcing its reputation as a trusted trading partner.

    CFI’s Continued Global Momentum

    The appointment aligns with CFI’s broader growth strategy, which includes record-breaking trading volumes, expansion into new jurisdictions, and high-profile collaborations. The company recently surpassed $1.279 trillion in Q1 2025 trading volume, reflecting its strong market performance and increasing client trust 

    CFI has also secured major partnerships, including its role as the Official Online Trading Partner of the Etihad Arena and the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four, further solidifying its brand presence in the MENA region and beyond 

    About CFI Financial Group

    Founded over 25 years ago, CFI Financial Group operates across multiple regulated entities and regional offices, including London, Dubai, Larnaca, Beirut, Amman, and Cairo. The company offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, catering to both retail and institutional clients.

  • Dominique El Khoury Takes Helm at NeoMarkets Amid Strategic Global Expansion

    Dominique El Khoury Takes Helm at NeoMarkets Amid Strategic Global Expansion

    In a bold move signaling its ambitions on the global stage, emerging brokerage firm NeoMarkets has appointed seasoned industry executive Dominique El Khoury as its new Chief Executive Officer. The announcement, made earlier today, marks a significant leadership shift as the company positions itself for aggressive growth across key international markets.

    El Khoury, a veteran of the online trading sector, brings over a decade of experience to the role. His résumé includes senior positions at SquaredFinancial, ATFX, Axi, and ADSS, where he led business development and sales initiatives across the Middle East and Africa. Most recently, he served as Global Head of Business Development at SquaredFinancial, overseeing strategic expansion in the Gulf and broader MEA region 

    Now at the helm of NeoMarkets Group Ltd, El Khoury is expected to steer the firm through its next phase of development. “We’re building something bold and future-focused,” he shared in a statement, hinting at a transformative vision for the company’s future 

    Who is NeoMarkets?

    Founded as an offshore brokerage in Mauritius, NeoMarkets has quickly evolved into a multi-jurisdictional player. The firm recently secured a Category 5 “introducers” license from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), allowing it to operate through its regional arm, NeoMarkets Mena For Financial Consultation & Financial Analysis 

    NeoMarkets offers trading in CFDs and equities, with additional services such as PAMM accounts. Its client acquisition strategy is focused on Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia, particularly India, where demand for online trading platforms continues to surge

    While its Mauritius license provides a regulatory base, the company also partners with entities in the UAE and Kazakhstan, though not all of these are currently regulated. This hybrid model reflects a broader trend among fintech startups seeking flexibility in global operations.

    A Strategic Appointment

    El Khoury’s appointment is widely seen as a strategic coup for NeoMarkets. His deep regional expertise and track record of scaling brokerage operations make him a natural fit for a company with global aspirations. Industry insiders suggest that his leadership could help NeoMarkets navigate the complex regulatory landscapes of emerging markets while enhancing its credibility among institutional and retail clients alike.

    As the fintech and trading sectors continue to evolve, all eyes will be on NeoMarkets and its new CEO to see whether this ambitious startup can deliver on its promise of innovation and growth.

  • Crypto.com Appoints Saxo Bank Veteran Nicolò Pagliari as Global VP of Growth and Media

    Crypto.com Appoints Saxo Bank Veteran Nicolò Pagliari as Global VP of Growth and Media

    In a strategic move that underscores the accelerating convergence between traditional finance and digital assets, Crypto.com has appointed Nicolò Pagliari as its new Global Vice President of Growth and Media, marking another high-profile talent acquisition from the CFD and retail brokerage sector.

    Pagliari, formerly Head of Marketing for Asia-Pacific at Saxo Bank, brings over seven years of experience in digital strategy and regional campaign leadership. His transition to Crypto.com reflects a broader industry trend: seasoned executives from legacy financial institutions are increasingly pivoting to crypto platforms and proprietary trading firms.

    Pagliari began his tenure at Saxo Bank in Copenhagen as a Digital Marketing Strategist, later relocating to Singapore to lead marketing efforts across Asia-Pacific. His appointment at Crypto.com follows a series of senior hires from traditional brokers, including Chris Old (ex-IG Group) as VP of Organic Growth, Kevin Algeo as Head of Capital Markets, and Alex Ratford as Partnerships Lead.

    In a LinkedIn post announcing his move, Pagliari described the opportunity as “one you can’t say no to,” citing Crypto.com’s ambitious global expansion and commitment to innovation. “The scale of international growth and product development is at a critical turning point,” he wrote, “and I’m energized to contribute to this phenomenal journey.”

    The appointment aligns with Crypto.com’s aggressive push into regulated financial products, including CFDs, stocks, and futures. Earlier this year, the company acquired a CySEC-licensed broker (formerly BrightFX), securing a MiFID license to operate across Europe. This mirrors similar moves by competitors like Kraken, which launched derivatives trading under MiFID II, and Coinbase, which acquired Deribit to bolster its derivatives footprint.

    Crypto.com now boasts over 140 million users globally, and Pagliari will spearhead user acquisition, media partnerships, and campaign development from his base in Singapore.

    Pagliari’s move is part of a growing migration of talent from traditional brokers to crypto and prop trading firms. A recent FYI study revealed that 40% of CFD brokers lack a marketing head, as competition for top-tier talent intensifies. Other notable transitions include:

    • Michael Kamerman joining FTMO’s brokerage division as CEO
    • Riana Chaili becoming COO after roles at IC Markets and TechFinancials
    • Yassin Mismar, Zoltan Nemeth, and Andreas Andreou pivoting to prop firms and crypto ventures

    Crypto.com President and COO Eric Anziani emphasized the strategic importance of Pagliari’s appointment: “His extensive experience in financial services and regulated markets will be instrumental in building a full-service, fully licensed suite of financial products.”

  • Hantec Markets Appoints Tim Hughes and Vivek Mehta to Lead Strategy and Tech

    Hantec Markets Appoints Tim Hughes and Vivek Mehta to Lead Strategy and Tech

    Global multi-regulated broker Hantec Markets has announced two high-profile appointments to its senior leadership team, reinforcing its strategic and technological capabilities amid continued expansion.

    Tim Hughes, former UK CEO of TigerWit, joins as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), while Vivek Mehta, previously Head of Technology at INFINOX, steps in as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Both executives will be based in Dubai, a growing hub for Hantec’s regional operations.

    Hughes brings over two decades of experience in retail trading, including a long tenure at IG Group and a pivotal role in TigerWit’s market entry strategy. His appointment signals Hantec’s intent to deepen its presence in competitive markets through tailored solutions and strategic alliances.

    “We’re focused on sustainable growth and delivering quality trading experiences to informed clients,” Hughes said. “This industry demands agility, and we intend to lead with ideas that matter.”

    Mehta, who also held senior roles at AximTrade, will oversee the broker’s technology roadmap, including the expansion of proprietary trading tools. “While MetaTrader remains central to our offering, we see real value in custom-built modules that enhance performance and user experience,” he noted.

    The leadership reshuffle also includes the promotion of Norayr Djerrahian to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), replacing Hayel Abu-Hamdan, who departed earlier this year to join HFM. Djerrahian will spearhead commercial strategy across Latin America and other emerging markets.

    The appointments come as Hantec Markets continues to evolve its offerings, including 24/7 crypto CFD trading and the launch of prop trading services—moves that reflect its commitment to innovation and client-centric growth.